International Security, a specialization of the master International Relations, is aimed at issues of power politics and international order, peace and war, and strategy and diplomacy.
Read more…

International Security, a specialization of the master International Relations, is aimed at issues of power politics and international order, peace and war, and strategy and diplomacy. Its main focus is the phenomenon of, and theoretical reflection on, 'violence' in its broader context.

Traditionally, attention for warfare and political violence, i.e. military security, has dominated the study of International Security. They still form the central issues. But especially after the Cold War other concerns occupy the agenda, such as environmental security (about climate change or industrial hazards), societal security (about group identities) and economic security (about welfare and development). These different types of concerns have their own meaning when studying the causes of violent conflict, its prevention and management, and conflict resolution and reconciliation.

Methodologically, the study of International Security has profited from the so-called constructivist turn in International Relations. In addition to traditional analyses new approaches have emerged, most notably Critical Security Studies, the Copenhagen School, and the Risk Society approach.

Why in Groningen?

The Master's specialization International Security: (a) pays attention to the theoretical developments as well as the dimensions of the contemporary security agenda; (b) offers a research-led and policy-oriented curriculum taught by a committed staff; (c) includes a career-oriented internship that prepares graduates for the labour market; and (d) provides an excellent preparation for positions at a broad variety of security-oriented and conflict-management related institutions.

Job perspectives

The Master's specialization is broad in scope and gives students a solid foundation in international relations. There is consequently a wide range of employment opportunities for International Relations graduates. The most obvious profession is a policy advisor, but you could also become a researcher, lobbyist, diplomat, or PR officer. You can work in international business, non-profit or government organizations, in the media, and at a university or a private research institute.

Research International Security

The chairgroup International Security Studies (ISS) is part of the Department of IRIO. The six permanent staff members and over 10 PhD students all contribute to the Faculty's research theme Conflict Studies. This is done at various levels of abstraction, focusing on various issue-areas and on various political contexts.

At the theoretical level the chairgroup aims to contribute to a better understanding of conceptualizations of security in time and space. How have academic debates in security studies evolved and how do they relate to security policies? This implies a focus on securitization theory, regional security complex theory, strategic studies, critical security studies and peace research. In terms of issue-areas the group presently studies developments in military & defence policies, terrorism, peace making, peace building &peace keeping - including security sector reform -, societal security in relation to social identities and state formation, and finally securitization in energy, food, and health policies. In terms of political contexts, the group focuses on institutional and regional settings in which security policies are shaped and implemented. Developments in Intergovernmental Organizations are studied - notably, in the European Union, NATO and the United Nations Security Council, and also in Non-Governmental Organizations in close cooperation with the research projects related to the Network on Humanitarian Action. The chairgroup has regional expertise about security politics in Europe (including Turkey), the Middle East, parts of Sub-Sahara Africa, and China.

The chairgroup brings much of its research interests together in the specialization International Security of the MA degree program IRIO.

Within the one-year Master's degree in International Relations, you choose one of the following six Master's specializations. - International Security.
Read more…

Within the one-year Master's degree in International Relations, you choose one of the following six Master's specializations:

- International Security: its main focus is the phenomenon of, and theoretical reflection on, 'violence' in its broader context. - International Political Economy: it focuses on the interaction between states, markets and societies. Its primary aim is to increase our understanding of the dynamics of these three building blocks. - European Integration: it explores the history, theory and policies of the European Union and her member states. - Global Governance: it seeks to understand the role of international organizations in global politics from a world society perspective. - International Relations and International Organization: combines and explores all four areas mentioned above. - East Asian Studies: it focuses on the political economy of contemporary East Asia, in particular the political economies of China, Japan and Korea. (This specialization only starts in September!)

Why in Groningen?

- Choice between five specialisations - Career-oriented internship - A research-led and policy-oriented curriculum taught by a committed staff - Independent and innovative research - Provides an excellent preparation for a variety of position related to the broad field of International Relations

Job perspectives

The Master's specialization is broad in scope and gives students a solid foundation in international relations. There is consequently a wide range of employment opportunities for International Relations graduates. The most obvious profession is a policy advisor, but you could also become a researcher, lobbyist, diplomat, or PR officer. You can work in international business, non-profit or government organizations, in the media, and at a university or a private research institute.

Research International Relations

Research conducted within the Department of International Relations and International Organization takes mostly place within the context of one of the four other specializations: Global Governance, International Security, European Integration and International Political Economy. We kindly direct you to those sites to get an impression of the research activities of the Department. In addition, you are invited to click on the link below to access an article published by staff of the Department.

International Relations as a discipline is almost a century old. About its origins different interpretations exist, but in general IR emerged in response to the consequences of power politics in Europe, culminating in the First World War, and in response to specific research questions within Political Science.
Read more…

International Relations as a discipline is almost a century old. About its origins different interpretations exist, but in general IR emerged in response to the consequences of power politics in Europe, culminating in the First World War, and in response to specific research questions within Political Science. IR in Europe started as an interdisciplinary project, IR in Groningen still follows this tradition.

International Relations and International Organization, a specialization of the Master International Relations, offers a comprehensive study in theory and practice. Theretofore, IRIO uses a 'self-service' model. Besides the mandatory course on advanced theory and the master thesis, you can select from specialized capita and research seminars in four essential areas of Internationals Relations: International Security, International Political Economy, European Integration, Global Governance and East Asian Studies. Moreover, to prepare for an international career you can organize an internship at a public or private organization in the field of international relations, where you can apply your knowledge and skills in a 'real-time' environment.

Why in Groningen?

The Master's specialization IRIO offers: (a) flexibility in the selection of courses, enabling students to design a study programme tailored to their needs and interests; (b) a research-led and policy-oriented curriculum taught by a committed staff; (c) reserves room for a career-oriented internship that excellently prepares graduates for the labour market and (d) provides an excellent preparation for a variety of positions related to the broad field of international relations.

Job perspectives

The Master's specialization is broad in scope and gives students a solid foundation in international relations. There is consequently a wide range of employment opportunities for International Relations graduates. The most obvious profession is a policy advisor, but you could also become a researcher, lobbyist, diplomat, or PR officer. You can work in international business, non-profit or government organizations, in the media, and at a university or a private research institute.

Research International Relations and International Organization

Research conducted within the Department of International Relations and International Organization takes mostly place within the context of one of the four other specializations: Global Governance, International Security, European Integration and International Political Economy. We kindly direct you to those sites to get an impression of the research activities of the Department. In addition, you are invited to click on the link below to access an article published by staff of the Department.

In this double degree (with the University of Göttingen, Germany) you will get specialised knowledge of international markets and the global interconnections of national economies.
Read more…

In this double degree (with the University of Göttingen, Germany) you will get specialised knowledge of international markets and the global interconnections of national economies.

Unique is the combination of topics in the field of international business and international economics, and the attention paid to the links between both fields.

You will acquire: -Knowledge and expertise in the ways individual, group and organizational factors influence organizational performance, problem solving and strategic decision making. - Insight into the consequences of globalisation for multinational enterprises, and the socio-economic and institutional differences between countries. - The ability to apply the tools of modern economic analysis to issues of development policy - The use of quantitative and statistical techniques for policy analysis and evaluation in a development context - The capacity to evaluate critically different approaches to development analysis and policy - The ability to communicate effectively with researchers, policymakers and practitioners in the field, to develop their capacity to work with and advise governments and development institutions on development problems - The training in modern economic analysis and quantitative techniques that research and applied work in the development field now requires

Degree: MA/MSc in International Economics and Business

Why in Groningen?

Unique combination of two degrees, in Groningen and Göttingen, in which you will learn to apply the tools of modern economic analysis to specific issues of development. The programme is an internationally accredited programme, ensuring a high quality education that meets both the AACSB and EQUIS standards, which only one percent of universities reach worldwide.

Job perspectives

This double degree programme has been designed for individuals who aspire to a career in national, international, multinational or transnational institutions and enterprises. Because all our programmes are EQUIS and AACSB accredited, a standard which only one percent of universities reach worldwide, your degree will be highly valued on the labour market.

Examples are: - international economist and strategy expert in a multinational corporation. - staff member with an (inter)national governmental organisations such as IMF, Worldbank, OECD, WTO, ECB, ODI or the EU - professional economist on development and transition economic issues in in ternational agencies, governments or the private sector - economic consultant with an (inter)national governmental organization - business consultant with an internationally operating consultancy firm

Job examples

- business consultant - economic consultant

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. Also right from the start of your degree programme attention is paid to academic research and preprofessional development. Since an analytical and critical mind and problem-solving capabilities are important qualities in any career our students aspire.

In collaboration with external partners we conduct research projects on e.g banking, local government, customer insights, leadership, energy, healthy ageing and lean operations.

You can take the Master's programme in Modern History and International Relations as a specialization within the Research Master's degree in History or the Research Master's degree in International Relations.
Read more…

You can take the Master's programme in Modern History and International Relations as a specialization within the Research Master's degree in History or the Research Master's degree in International Relations.

The two-year Master's programme in Modern History and International Relations teaches you to carry out independent academic research in the fields of modern history and international relations. You will explore recent developments in these fields and study relevant theoretical and methodological backgrounds. You will learn about subjects such as international political economy, the history of cultural identity and European cooperation and integration.

As a student of this programme you work in small groups and are supervised by highly qualified researchers. The programme is closely related to the research carried out at the Groningen Research Institute for the Study of Culture (ICOG) and the N.W. Posthumus Institute.

Degree: MA in History (research), MA in International Relations (research)

Why in Groningen?

Job perspectives

After graduation you are well prepared for a career in research at a university or a private or governmental research institute. You can pursue jobs at international organizations and government institutions as well. You can apply for a PhD-position.

Job examples

- International Affairs / Foreign Policy Advisor jobs - Investigating Journalism - Research oriented career in International Relations or History - Academic positions

East Asia is the foremost dynamic region in the world. This Master's specialization is organized around the achievements, opportunities and challenges facing East Asia.
Read more…

East Asia is the foremost dynamic region in the world. This Master's specialization is organized around the achievements, opportunities and challenges facing East Asia. Taught by international staff affiliated with the Centre for East Asian Studies Groningen this International Relations Master's programme focuses on the political economy and international relations of China, Japan and Korea.

The programme takes a multidisciplinary approach. Lectures and seminars are taught by experts in international relations, history, economy or law. You will gain knowledge on the top-three economies in East Asia and develop oral, writing and research skills to analyze developments from a local and global perspective. Work placement and study abroad are optional.

Why in Groningen?

- A unique International Relations Master's programme on the Political Economy of contemporary East Asia - A multi-disciplinary approach towards developments in contemporary China, Japan and Korea - Optional opportunities to study or gain hands-on experience in East Asia - Private sector participation and guest speakers from East Asia - Further opportunities to focus on Hong Kong, Taiwan or emerging countries such as Mongolia

Job perspectives

This degree has been designed for students who aspire to a career related to East Asia in international business, international cooperation, diplomacy, media and academia.

Job examples

Research

Individual research topics of faculty members include: Economic Transition and Institutional Change in Asia, Political Economy of China, China and the World Economy, Land Tenure and Land Governance in China, Land Registration in China, International Trade Law and China, China-EU Relations, 19th Century Business Cycles in China, Religion in Modern China, Private International Law and China, Carbon Emission Trading and Competition Law in East Asia, Political Economies of Global Health in Asia, History of Japan, Foreign Policy of Japan, Japan-EU relations, Technology and Culture in Contemporary Japan, regionalization in Asia, Foreign and Security Policies of Korea, Visual Politics and North Korea, Foreign Policy of Mongolia.

International Political Economy is one of five specializations within the Master's degree in International Relations. Since the 1970s, IPE has developed as an independent sub-discipline in International Relations (IR).
Read more…

International Political Economy is one of five specializations within the Master's degree in International Relations.

Since the 1970s, IPE has developed as an independent sub-discipline in International Relations (IR). It focuses on the interaction between states, markets and societies. Its primary aim is to increase our understanding of the dynamics of these three building blocks. In doing so, IPE is interdisciplinary by its self-same nature.

Why is it fascinating coming to grips with a globalizing world economy? While states cannot be conceived of as homogenous actors that perfectly take care of the preferences of all of their citizens, one can nevertheless reveal degrees of freedom for negotiation about regional and international cooperation in the fields of trade, production, finance and knowledge. It is a scholarly exertion to reveal the complicated nexus of states, markets and societies.

Why in Groningen?

The specialization IPE: - Enables to design a study programme tailored to your needs and interests. - Offers a research-led and policy-oriented curriculum taught by committed staff. - Includes an internship that excellently prepares for the labour market. - Provides you with a research-oriented profile which makes you fit for participation in a Research Master and/or a PhD track. - Is embedded in a university that provides a genuine international environment in the sparkling city of Groningen.

Job perspectives

The Master's specialization is broad in scope and gives students a solid foundation in international relations. There is consequently a wide range of employment opportunities for International Relations graduates. The most obvious profession is a policy advisor, but you could also become a researcher, lobbyist, diplomat, or PR officer. You can work in international business, non-profit or government organizations, in the media, and at a university or a private research institute.

IPE Research

In Groningen, IPE research focuses in particular, but not exclusively, on processes of institutional change. Rather than scrutinizing the impact of given institutional settings on the interplay of states, markets and society, the leading research thread is the dynamics of institutions. What explains the emergence of institutions in the realm of international political economy? The overarching idea is to come to grips with converging institutional settings in on-going globalization.

Groningen IPE research on institutional change distinguishes two themes.

The first is designed around the topic of transformation & integration. It focuses on the transition to a market economy embedded in a democratic order in the regions of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. (See e.g. Herman W. Hoen (2011), “Crisis in Eastern Europe: The downside of a market economy revealed?”, European Review, 19(1), 31-41.) In this research, which is partly financed by the Volkswagen Foundation, there is close collaboration with the universities of Göttingen and Indiana (Bloomington) and the Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (Regensburg).

A second research line addresses the problem of convergence. At a regional level, the studies zoom in on the emergence of and changes in trade, investment, and labour regimes. At the enterprise level, the research focuses on ‘corporate governance’ and the extent to which it converges between Europe and the United States.

European Integration is one of five specializations within the Master's degree in International Relations. European integration is a unique phenomenon.
Read more…

European Integration is one of five specializations within the Master's degree in International Relations.

European integration is a unique phenomenon. Nowhere else in the world have national states decided to a such a far-reaching form of cooperation and 'pooling' of resources as has been the case within the framework of the present-day European Union. Despite the problems the EU is facing nowadays, the economies and currencies, and to a certain extent also the political and social systems of the member countries, have become 'europeanised' to a considerable extent. This fascinating development is studied in the specialization European Integration in Groningen.

Why in Groningen?

The specialization EI: - Enables to design a study programme tailored to your needs and interests. - Offers a research-led and policy-oriented curriculum taught by committed staff. - Includes an internship that excellently prepares for the labour market. - Provides you with a research-oriented profile which makes you fit for participation in a Research Master and/or a PhD track. - Is embedded in a university that provides a genuine international environment in the sparkling city of Groningen.

Job perspectives

The Master's specialization is broad in scope and gives students a solid foundation in international relations. There is consequently a wide range of employment opportunities for International Relations graduates. The most obvious profession is a policy advisor, but you could also become a researcher, lobbyist, diplomat, or PR officer. You can work in international business, non-profit or government organizations, in the media, and at a university or a private research institute.

How effective are the United Nations? Can the European Union survive the wave of nationalism it is facing? Does the power of the IMF and the World Bank reach too far? Find out in this programme.
Read more…

How effective are the United Nations? Can the European Union survive the wave of nationalism it is facing? Does the power of the IMF and the World Bank reach too far? Find out in this programme.

Global governance, a specialization of the master International Relations, seeks to understand the ways in which order is established, maintained and transformed in the global sphere. The study of global governance addresses the problem of how 'orders of governance' are constituted and operated in contemporary and historical settings. From this perspective, order is understood as the outcome of particular ways of managing, organizing and governing global political spaces which can no longer be understood in terms of the absence of an overarching authority (i.e. the idea of anarchy). It involves the interaction between interests expressed by governments and international institutions, as well as the role of non-state actors. Historical, constructivist, and poststructuralist methodologies, as well as multilevel governance approaches are applied to interpret the interplay between a broad array of dynamic public, private and transnational interests in creating order in the world.

Why in Groningen?

This Master's specialization Global Governance elaborates the IO-perspective offered in the BA- programme IRIO. The department has built explicit expertise in this field together with the world society perspective. Students are stimulated to study these approaches and to contribute to improved insight. The specialization also helps you to organize an internship at relevant organizations, which gives you a chance to experience the dynamics of organizations operating in an international context.

Job perspectives

The Master's specialization is broad in scope and gives students a solid foundation in international relations. There is consequently a wide range of employment opportunities for International Relations graduates. The most obvious profession is a policy advisor, but you could also become a researcher, lobbyist, diplomat, or PR officer. You can work in international business, non-profit or government organizations, in the media, and at a university or a private research institute.

In this three-semester Master's programme you will strengthen your academic understanding of International Humanitarian Action. You will also acquire practical skills for working in the area of humanitarian aid, such as policy-making.
Read more…

In this three-semester Master's programme you will strengthen your academic understanding of International Humanitarian Action. You will also acquire practical skills for working in the area of humanitarian aid, such as policy-making.

The programme is an international Erasmus Mundus Master's programme. It is offered by nine European universities, namely in the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, Belgium and France. These universities are united in the Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA).

In this programme you will learn to evaluate humanitarian emergencies. You will study the causes of conflicts and different coping strategies for conflicts and disasters. In addition, you will learn to plan and assess intervention and reconstruction programmes. Also, you will acquire practical skills such as management skills and cross-cultural communication skills.

You will take courses such as Geopolitics in Humanitarian Action and Comprehensive Security and Disaster Analysis. You will do a career-oriented internship in a humanitarian organization and write a thesis.

Job perspectives

This programme prepares you for an international career. Most graduates work in the field of humanitarian action and international cooperation as representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations. They also work as managers, fundraisers, policymakers and researchers.